Hominy (Spanish: maíz molido; literally meaning “milled corn”) is a food produced from dried maize (corn) kernels that have been treated with an alkali, in a process called nixtamalization (nextamalli is the Nahuatl word for “hominy”).
What is cooked corn called?
Corn on the cob is a culinary term for a cooked ear of sweet corn (maize) eaten directly off the cob. The ear is picked while the endosperm is in the “milk stage” so that the kernels are still tender. Ears of corn are steamed, boiled, or grilled usually without their green husks, or roasted with them.
What are corn kernels called?
The kernel of maize consists of a pericarp (fruit wall) fused to the seed coat. This type of fruit is typical of the grasses and is called a caryopsis.
What is a piece of corn called?
A corncob, also called cob of corn or corn on the cob, is the central core of an ear of corn (also known as maize). It is the part of the ear on which the kernels grow. The ear is also considered a “cob” or “pole” but it is not fully a “pole” until the ear is shucked, or removed from the plant material around the ear.
What do you call taking kernels off the cob?
311. 1. We, too, always called removing the husk husking and removing the dried kernels from the cob to feed animals shucking.
What is meant by corncob?
Definition of corncob
1 : the core on which the kernels of corn are arranged. 2 : an ear of corn.
Why is hominy so big?
The chemical process that creates hominy is called nixtamalization, where the corn is soaked in an alkaline solution. This removes the corn’s hull and germ, causing it to puff up and nearly double in size, which is why hominy has the appearance of giant corn kernels.
Are popcorn kernels corn?
It resembles corn-on-the-cob in appearance and cultivation, although only popcorn kernels have the ability to pop. Popcorn, like all six types of corn, is a cereal grain and originates from a wild grass. Its scientific name is Zea mays everta, and it is the only type of corn to actually pop.
Why are they called corn kernels?
The old spelling of corn was Korn, from the Germanic; Kernel is a diminutive form, to mean a small grain. Niblets is a trademarked name that Green Giant uses to describe the fresh corn kernels it sells in North America and in the UK.
What happens when you boil popcorn kernels?
Popcorn kernels have an outer shell called the pericarp and a meaty, starchy inside called the endosperm. Their moisture content is around 14 percent. The kernel pops when it’s heated because the moisture turns into steam. The hull cracks when the steam’s pressure builds up too high, causing the mass to explode.
What is the edible part of corn?
by M. J. Stephens, Department of Horticulture University of Florida
| Vegetable | Common Edible Parts | Other Edible Parts |
|---|---|---|
| Corn, sweet | seeds | young ears, unfurled tassel, young leaves |
| Cucumber | fruit with seeds | stem tips and young leaves |
| Eggplant | fruit with seeds | leaves edible but not flavorful |
| Kohlrabi | swollen stem | leaves |
Are corn kernels the same as sweetcorn?
Sweet corn is harvested when the tenderness of the kernels comes to a peak. The plants will still be green and alive when you harvest sweet corn. Popcorn on the other hand has to be harvested when the moisture in the kernels is less than twenty-five percent. Any higher, and the kernels will not pop properly.
What do you call a corn cob without kernels?
Husk (or hull) in botany is the outer shell or coating of a seed. It often refers to the leafy outer covering of an ear of maize (corn) as it grows on the plant. So then the “husk” here is the dried leafy covering.
What is the process of peeling corn called?
Once you get the hang of it, shucking corn — and removing all the silks — is a breeze.
What does shucking corn mean?
: to remove the shell or husk from I helped shuck corn.
Can dogs eat corn?
Many veterinary nutritionists agree that corn for dogs is not a problem and in fact, can be part of a well-balanced diet. However, you should confirm that your dog is not allergic to corn prior to giving it to him.
Can you eat hominy out of the can?
Canned hominy is already cooked and you can eat it straight from the can. That said, it will taste better if you cook it first.
Are grits and hominy the same thing?
Grits are a porridge made from boiled cornmeal. Hominy grits are a type of grits made from hominy – corn that has been treated with an alkali in a process called nixtamalization, with the pericarp (ovary wall) removed. Grits are often served with flavorings as a breakfast dish.
Are grits made from hominy?
What are grits? Traditionally, grits were made from boiled dried hominy, a type of corn that has been treated with a lime or lye solution, allowing the tough outer hulls to be removed. However, you can also make grits from simply dried ground corn (stone-ground cornmeal).
Is popcorn just dried corn?
Popcorn is not harvested when kernels are soft and tender like sweet corn, but when husks are brown and kernels have completely dried and hardened. As popcorn kernels heat, the moisture within the starchy endosperm turns to steam and explodes, effectively turning the kernel inside out.
Can dogs eat popcorn?
Plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings is not safe for your dog on a regular basis, although eating a few dropped pieces here and there probably won’t hurt him.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.